Recently on the Veggie Gardener Facebook Page, there was a small conversation about worm composting, and worm bins used for creating worm compost. This conversation led to a few questions about worm composting, including where to buy worms at a decent price.
Being curious myself on good resources for composting worms I did a little research to find the best places online to buy worms for composting.
Before we jump into the online worm sellers I came across, let's talk a bit about what worms are best for composting.
Which Worms Are Best for Composting?
![Red Wiggler Worms Are Best for Composting]()
There are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands (sorry, I don't have an actual head count), of different species of worms found on our great planet.
Out of the numerous species, there are just a few that are ideal for creating worm compost.
The one species that is most used for composting purposes is commonly called red wigglers, or red worms.
The Latin name for these useful critters is Eisenia fetida. To make sure you are getting the correct worms, you could ask for the Latin name, although most suppliers may look at you funny if you ask for Eisenia fetida worms.
Keep one thing in mind when purchasing your worms for composting - avoid using Nightcrawlers, or earthworms. They are pretty much the same worm just called different things.
Earthworms do an awesome job of moving through soil aerating it, and supplying castings and beneficial microbes. They aren't so hot for composting though.
Stick with the red wiggler variety, and you can't go wrong.
Here are just a few online resources I found that offered the right worms at pretty decent prices.
Where to Buy Worms for Composting
Gardener's Supply Company - Price: $39.95 for a 2lb. Package (about 1,300 - 1,900 worms)
Gardener's Supply offers red wigglers that have received high marks from customers on quality and healthiness of the worms.
Garden's Alive! - Price: $39.95 for over 500 worms; $49.95 for over 1,000 worms
Red Worm Composting - Price: $35.00 for 1lb of red worms
Local Harvest - Price: $24.94 for 1 lb; $44.95 for 2lbs
Uncle Jim's Worm Farm - Price: $16.95 for 500 worms; $17.95 for 1,000 worms
*Tip: You can get Uncle Jim's Worm Farm 1,000 red wigglers for $15.85 on Amazon.com
Check Local Sources to Buy Worms for Composting
If you are unsure about purchasing worms for composting online you can also check with local sources. Some good places to start are local bait shops.
Bait shops sometimes carry red wigglers for use as fishing bait. Make sure to specifically ask for red wigglers, and do not get Nightcrawlers.
Check Google, or The Yellow Pages for worms farms that might be in your area. Ask if you can see the worms in "action" before buying. Check the worm habitat to see if they are well-maintained.
If these options do not pan out check with your local cooperative extension as they will probably have a great list of reputable worm dealers in your area.
Start Composting Today!
Being curious myself on good resources for composting worms I did a little research to find the best places online to buy worms for composting.
Before we jump into the online worm sellers I came across, let's talk a bit about what worms are best for composting.
Which Worms Are Best for Composting?
Out of the numerous species, there are just a few that are ideal for creating worm compost.
The one species that is most used for composting purposes is commonly called red wigglers, or red worms.
The Latin name for these useful critters is Eisenia fetida. To make sure you are getting the correct worms, you could ask for the Latin name, although most suppliers may look at you funny if you ask for Eisenia fetida worms.
Keep one thing in mind when purchasing your worms for composting - avoid using Nightcrawlers, or earthworms. They are pretty much the same worm just called different things.
Earthworms do an awesome job of moving through soil aerating it, and supplying castings and beneficial microbes. They aren't so hot for composting though.
Stick with the red wiggler variety, and you can't go wrong.
Here are just a few online resources I found that offered the right worms at pretty decent prices.
Where to Buy Worms for Composting
Gardener's Supply Company - Price: $39.95 for a 2lb. Package (about 1,300 - 1,900 worms)
Gardener's Supply offers red wigglers that have received high marks from customers on quality and healthiness of the worms.
Garden's Alive! - Price: $39.95 for over 500 worms; $49.95 for over 1,000 worms
Red Worm Composting - Price: $35.00 for 1lb of red worms
Local Harvest - Price: $24.94 for 1 lb; $44.95 for 2lbs
Uncle Jim's Worm Farm - Price: $16.95 for 500 worms; $17.95 for 1,000 worms
*Tip: You can get Uncle Jim's Worm Farm 1,000 red wigglers for $15.85 on Amazon.com
Check Local Sources to Buy Worms for Composting
If you are unsure about purchasing worms for composting online you can also check with local sources. Some good places to start are local bait shops.
Bait shops sometimes carry red wigglers for use as fishing bait. Make sure to specifically ask for red wigglers, and do not get Nightcrawlers.
Check Google, or The Yellow Pages for worms farms that might be in your area. Ask if you can see the worms in "action" before buying. Check the worm habitat to see if they are well-maintained.
If these options do not pan out check with your local cooperative extension as they will probably have a great list of reputable worm dealers in your area.
Start Composting Today!
